Label-affixing device.



M. H. BALLARD.

LABEL AFHXING DEVICE.

APPLICATION FILED APR-4, 1910. RENEWED JULY 22, I911.

Patented Apr. 20, 1915.

1 SHEETSSHEET 1.

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M. BALLARD.

LABEL AFFIXING DEVICE.

APPLICATION FILED APR-4| 1910- RENE WED JULY 22,191].

THE NORRIS PETERS C04. PHOTC-LITHOU WASHINGTON. D. C.

M. H. BALLARD.

LABEL AFFIXING DEVICE.

APPLICATION FILED AFR-4,1910. RENEWED JULY 22.1911.

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I'HE NORRIS PETER5m.,PHDTO-LITHO., WAaHANUIUN. r

M. H. BALLARD.

\LABEL AFFIXING DEVICE. APPUCATION FILED APR.4, 1910. RENEWED JULY 22, 1911.

Patented Apr. 20, 1915.

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TED STATES PAENT ion.

MILTON H. BALLARD, OF LYNN, MASSACHUSETTS, ASSIG-NOR TO TRIPP FRUIT WRAP- PING- MACI-IINE COMPANY, OF SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA, A CORPORATION OF MAINE.

LABEL-AFFIXING DEVICE.

weaver.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Apr. 20, I915.

' Application filed April 4, 1910, Serial No. 553,366. Renewed July 22, 1911. Serial No. 640,020.

To all whom it may concern Be it known that I, MILTON H. BALLARD, of Lynn, in the county of Essex and State of 'Massachusetts, have invented an Improvement in Label-Aflixing Devices, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to label-affixing devices, adapted for affixing labels to oranges and other articles, and is here shown as adapted to operate in conjunction with a wrapping-machine adapted to wrap an orange or other article, such, for instance, as represented in United States Patent No. 905,977, dated Dec. 8, 1908. The labels are usually quite small and hence difficult to handle separately by mechanical means, but, when connected together in the form of a strip, they may be conveniently handled by mechanical means, and such a strip I herein employ.

My improved label afliXing-device comprehends means for feeding a label-strip forward step by step, a severing-device for cutting off the labels from the strip, a pasting-device for applying an adhesive substance to one side of the labels, and means for carrying the severed and pasted labels to and pressing them into engagement with the articles; and in case the device is employed in connection with a wrapping-machine it is arranged to apply the labels to the articles before they are wrapped.

In the Wrappingmachine shown in said patent the articles to be wrapped are conveyed to the wrapping-devices by a traveling-conveyer, and means are here shown arranged to move the label-aflixing device back and forth, as a unit, at a speed approximately equal to the speed of the said conveyer so as to afliX the labels to the mov- .ing articles.

In saidpatent the articles are carried along in a straight line, and the means here shown for applying the labels to the moving articles is arranged to be moved first into position to obtain a severed and pasted label, then into position to affix the label, without engaging the article during such movement, then toward the article to afiix the label upon it, and then to be returned to obtain the neXt label, without engaging the article during such return movement.

In case the articles to be wrapped are.

oranges, it is very important that they shall not be subjected to a severe pressure when the label is applied; hence, as here shown, the means for atlixing the labels is arranged to be moved by gravity, instead of being forcibly moved, and said means is also selfad usting to provide for affixing the labels to articles of different sizes.

Figure l is a side elevation of a labelaffixing device embodying this invention, applied to the wrapping-machine of the patent aforesaid, a portion only of said machine belng shown in vertical section. Fig. 2 is a rear view of the label-aflixing device shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a sectional detail of a feedingdevice for the label-strip, which may be employed, a severing-device, and portions of a pasting-device and label-applying device. Fig. 4 is an enlarged detail showing the severing-device and the pasting-device shown in Fig. 3. Figs. 5 and 6 are sectional details of the severing-device. Figs. 7, 8 and 9 are sectional details of the pasting-device. Fig. 10 is a detail of the label-holder or guide. Figs. 11 to 16, inclusive, are detail views of the label-applying device. Fig. 17 is a modification to be referred to.

@0 represents one of the main drivingshafts of the wrapping-machine shown in the patent aforesaid. Driving-mechanism for the label-affixing device is connected to said shaft, and, as here shown, a gear-wheel a. is secured to said shaft which engages a pinion a secured to a shaft a bearing a bevel-gear a which engages a bevel-gear a secured to a shaft a bearing a long spur-gear a which engages an intermediate gear a7, which in turn engages a spur-gear a secured to a shaft a", which latter serves as the main driving-shaft for the label-affixing device. The spur-gear a is made long enough to provide for continuously operating the shaft a as the labelafiixing device is moved back and forth, as a unit. The frame of the label-affixing device is provided with several supportingand-guiding wheels 6, which rest on guideways on a frame which supports the traveling-conveyer, 100, for the articles to be labeled, permitting back and forth move ment of the label-afiiXing device on said frame. To move the device back and forth,

dotted lines Fig. 2, formed in a cam-disk 0 which is secured to the shaft @0 During each revolution of the cam-disk the labelaflixing device makes a complete excursion. The label-affixing device'is moved bodily in a direction corresponding to the movement of the conveyer 100, ata speed the same as, or approximately equal to, the speed of said conveyer, in order that the labels may be applied to the moving articles, and is or may e returned at the same or any other speed.

In order to label the articles which are carried along by the conveyer rapidly, two label-affixing devices are employed, which are borne by the same frame and adapted to be operated simultaneously, to apply labels simultaneously to two adjacent articles; and the extent of movement, back and forth, of the frame bearing the label-affixing devices is sufficient to provide for thus labeling the articles two at a time. However, one labelallixing device only may be employed, if desired.

The labels, which are arranged in the form of a strip (Z, are here shown as approximately circular in shape, and such a label-strip may be made by scalloping the opposite edges of a strip of paper,although itis obvious that the labels may be of any other shape, and, in such case, the edges of the label-strip will be correspondingly cut.

As the two label-applying devices are alike, one only need be described in detail. The label-strip d is wound on a reel 03, mounted on a shaft 03 and is drawn from said reel by a feed-wheel d see Fig. 3, secured to a rotatable shaft'al. Said feedwheel may be of any suitable construction, but is here shown ashaving a groove in its periphery formed with scalloped side-walls,

which correspond in shape to the shape of the side edges of the label-strip, so that the label-strip which enters said groove will be held in a predetermined position as it is drawn from the reel by the rotation of the wheel. Said feed-wheel is rotated intermittinglyto feed forward the label-strip step by step, and each intermittent movement is sufiicient to feed forward the label-strip a distance equal to the length of a label. As here shown, a ratchet-wheel (Z is secured to the shaft 01 and engaged-by a push-pawl d, connected to the pin of a crank d7, secured to the shaft 0., and during-each revolution of said shaft a, said pawl is operated to advance the ratchet-wheel one tooth and thereby correspondingly move the feed-wheel one step. Backward movement of the ratchetwardly and rearwardly from the feed-wheel;

to guide the label-strip from the reel (Z' to the wheel and from the wheel to the severing-device. The back of the tube is extended between these two portions of the tube and is contracted in width so as to enter the groove in the periphery of the feed-wheel to hold the label strip in engagement with the groove while passing from one portion of the guide tube to the other. I

The severing-device, as here shown, see Figs. 3 to 6, consistsof a stationary blade 6, formed by beveling the front edge of a plate, as ate, from top to bottom in a rearward direction, anda movable blade 6 arranged above the stationary blade and a tached to the lower end and at the front side of a bar 6 which is movable up and down in a guideway formed in the stationary supporting-frame e. The movableblade 6 has at one end an ear 6 which extends downwardly and at all times overlies the edge of the stationary blade. The bar e has'a pin 6 projecting rearwardly from it, which passes through and works up and down in a slot 6 formed in the frame 6 and a spring encircles said pin and bears at one end against the frame and at the other end against the head of the pin, the spring acting to draw the bar 6 toward the frame 6* and hold it with a yielding pressure, and hold theear e in engagement with the stationary blade, although permitting the movable blade to yield slightly as may be re quired when passing or moving over the stationary blade when cutting off the labels by a shearing action. The bar 6 is engaged by one arm 0 of abell-crank lever, which is pivoted at 6 the other arm 6 of said lever extending downward and engaging a cam e secured to the shaft (4 During each revolution of the'shaft a, said cam operates to move the bell-crank lever on its pivot, and thereby positively raise and lower thecuttor-carrying bar 6 As here shown, see Fig. 4, the cutting edge of the movable blade 6 is arranged at an angle to the cutting edge of the stationary blade 6, for the purpose of obtaining a shearing cut, and, furthermore, the movable blade 6 is supported in an inclined position with respect to the inclined cutting edge of the stationary blade (2, as represented in Fig. 6, so that, as the blades gradually wear, the angle is such that the strip will be cut.

The label-strip is advanced a distance equal to the length of a label, between the members of the severing-device, while the movable member of said device is in its elevated position, so that, when said movable memher is caused to descend, a complete label will be severed from the strip. For the purpose of holding the severed label temporarily, a guide-plated is provided, see Fig. 10, which is located in front of the severingdevice. Said guide-plate is formed with a horizontal passage through it for the label, and is cut away or recess at its under side, as at (Z to permit the pastingdevice to engage the label and apply paste to the under side thereof, and is cut away or recessed at its upper side, as at (Z to permit the entrance of the suction-pipe or other labelconveying means, which is employed for taking the label and carrying it to the article to be labeled. Just at the moment that the labels are severed from the strip, or immediately before or after they are severed, they are engaged on the under side by a pasting-device by which paste is applied thereto.

As here shown, the pasting-device is adapted to apply the paste in the form of a ring or line, but it may be arranged to otherwise apply the paste, over a portion only of the label.- Said device, as here shown, see Figs. 4, 7, 8 and 9, comprises a receptacle n for the paste, preferably having a heating-compartment a at the bottom. The paste-applying device or paster, a is arranged at the extremity of a rising. and falling arm 7%, attached to a block W, movable vertically in a guide-way provided for it in the stationary frame 6 As here shown, two pasters are employed, one for each label-affixing device, both connected to said block, a The paster consists of a circular ring, a, arranged on the upper side of a base-portion, a hole 01 extending through it and through the ring. When the paster is moved downward it is submerged in the paste contained in the receptacle, and when moved upward it engages the under side of the label and applies a ring or line of paste thereto. The block 01 bearing the pasters, has connected with it an actuating-lever n pivoted at a and said lever n is yieldingly connected by a spring 42 and pin a with a lever n also pivoted at 17. and the extremity of said lever n is arranged to engage a cam-disk a, secured to the shaft a". During each revolution of the shaft a said cam-disk is revolved and the lever n moved to raise and lower the pasting-device. Said levers n and n are yieldingly connected together to provide for a movement of the lever 01, independent of the lever n and prevent breakage of the parts, in case the machine should be started before the paste has been softened by the heat, the pasting-device in such case being firmly held by the hard paste.

As here shown, see Figs. 11 to 16, the label-carrying-and-applying-devices are of the suction type. Two suction-pipes f are shown, one for each label-aflixing device, they being connected together to operate simultaneously. Each pipe 7 extends through and is free to slide in a hole in one end of a solid cross-bar f, and is thereby supported near its lower end, and also extends through and is free to slide in a like hole in a tubular cross-bar f and is thereby supported at its upper end. The cross-bars 7" and f are rigidly connected together by a frame-bar 7, extending from one to the other, and the side edgesof said frame-bar f are formed to enter and slide in recesses formed in the front side of a frame f. Said connected cross-bars constitute a sliding frame for the suction-pipes, which frame is free to slide with respect to the frame f hearing it, and independently thereof. The frame 7, bearing the sliding-frame, is pivoted at f to the stationary frame i which forms apart of the supporting-frame. Each pipe f is open at its lower end and closed at its upper end, see Fig. 12, and near its upper end it has a side opening f which, when the pipe is in normal position to receive a label, is so located with respect to the tubular cross-bar F, as to establish open communication be tween the interior of said cross-bar and the pipe. The tubular cross-bar f is connected by a flexible pipe 7 with any suitable suction-pump, not shown, which may or may not operate continuously, tending to produce a vacuum in the cross-bar f and the suction produced therein is sufficient to draw a label against the lower end of each of the pipes f and hold them while the suction continues. The frame 7 is movable on its pivot to move the frame carrying the suction-pipes from a position to obtain a label to a position to apply the label to the article, and the means for thus moving said frame 7" is arranged to permit said frame to dwell at each end of its stroke to permit the frame carrying the suction-pipes to slide independently for the purpose of obtaining labels at one end of their cycle of movement and for applying the labels to the article or articles to be labeled at the other end of their cycle of movement.

Other means are employed for raising the frame carrying the suction-pipes with respect to the frame f, for the purpose of lifting the suction-pipes after they have obtained labels and while they are being moved into position to apply the labels to the article or articles to be labeled, so that it will not engage the article or articles during such movement, and for again raising said frame after the labels have been applied and while returning for other labels, so as not to engage the article or articles during its return movement; yet said means is so constructed as to permit said frame to slide by gravity at each end of its cycle of movement, to obtain labels at oneend of the cycle of movement and to apply the labels at the other end of the cycle of movement.

Asa means for swinging the frame f on its pivot 7", a bar f preferably adjustable as to length, is pivotally connected at one end to the frame and its opposite end is slotted, as at f", to receive a shaft f ,thereby enabling said bar to be supported by said shaft. The bar 7 has a laterally-extended pin 7 with or Without a roll thereon, which is arranged to be engaged by a cam f ,.secured to said shaft f and, as said shaft revolves, said cam is operated to move the bar longitudinally in one direction and thereby move the. frame outwardly. A- spring 7", connected to the frame f, is employed to move it in the opposite direction or inwardly, when permitted by the cam f. The bar F, in addition to being adjustable longitudinally, is made yielding, so that, in case movement of the frame 7" should be obstructed, the parts would not be broken.

. Referring to Fig. 17, the bar 7 contains a pin 7 which is adjustably connected with the end-portion of the bar which is connected with the frame f", and said pin is pressed inwardly by a spring f against an adjusting-screw f In lieu of employing the aforesaid means for moving the frame 7 on its pivot, the means shown in Fig. 17 may be employed, wherein a grooved cam-disk f is secured to the shaft 7' and the bar 7" has a laterally-extended pin i with or without the roll thereon, which enters a groove in said cam-disk, so that said bar is moved longitudinally in both directions by the camdisk. 'As a means for lifting the slidingframe in the guide-way in the pivoted frame 7, a link 7" is pivotally connected at one end to the frame-barf and at the other end to the extremity of a lever f", pivoted at 7 and a connecting-rod f is loosely connected at its lower end to said lever f", and at its upper end to the pin on a crank f secured to a shaft 7 7 represents a block pivotally supported between the arms of a yoke of the lever f and said block has a hole through it through which the lower end of the connecting-rod f extends, permitting downward sliding movement of said rod, and the lower endof said rod is formed with a head so that upward movement of the rod will act to lift the lever f. Such connection provides for positively lifting the lever 7 but permitting it to fall by gravity, hence, as the shaft 7 revolves, the sliding-frame and suction-pipes borne by it will be positively raised but permitted to fall by gravity.

The shaft i is designed to make two revolutions to one revolution of the shaft 7 so that the suction-pipes will be twice lifted during each back and forth movement of the pivoted frame f, first, to enable the lower ends of thesuction-"pipes to pass by the article or articles to be labelled, when moving in position to apply the labels, and then to remove the suction-pipes from engagement with the article or articles to be labeled after they have applied the labels; and after each time it is lifted it is permitted to fall by gravity'to obtain labels, andto press the labels into engagement with the article or articles with but a slight pressure. p

In case the articles to be labeled are oranges it is quite important that the labels should-not be forcibly pressed into engagement with them, and by the construction here shown such results can be accomplished. The suction-pipes are yieldingly supported in such manner that they will yield so as to apply labels to large as well as small articles,*as.rnay.be required, and, asshown in Fig. 12, a spiral spring m'encircles each suc: tion-pipe bearing at its upper end against the cross-bar f and at its lower end against a collar on the pipe, these springs tending to hold the suction-pipes intheir lowermost positions, yet permitting them to yield. It is obvious that in case it is desired to apply the labels one at a time a single suction-pipe only need be provided. The sliding frame is lifted high enough to'lift the suction-pipes and enable them to pass by thelargestsized article, and is then released and permitted to fall, and if, when falling, one of the suctionpipes engaged a larger article than the other, it ,will yield morethan the other, thereby enabling the pipes to engage articles of different sizes at the same time. Downward movement of the sliding-frame is limited by a stop f when moved into position to obtain a label and by the block i striking'the head of the rod f when moved into position to apply the label. A small gear-wheel f is secured to the shaft f, and engages a gear-wheel f, secured to the shaft 7, and a sprocket-wheel f is secured to said shaft 7", around which passes a sprocket-chain f,

which passes around a sprocket-wheel f secured to the shaft a", so that the shafts f and 7 will be driven by the shaft a".

When one of the suction-pipes f is moved far enough its side opening f will be brought to a position above the cross-bar F, but instead of relying upon the side opening f to discontinue the suction, in view of the fact that the articles vary materially in size and the movement of the suction-pipe may be more or less, I have herein provided a cock 2', in the flexible pipe f which may be operated to open said pipe to the atmosphere, and said cock-has an actuating-lever 2" which is connected by an eccentric-rod i with an eccentric 2' secured to theshaft (t so that, upon each revolution of said shaft, said cock will be opened and the suction discontinued. p 7

The feeding-device and cutting-device for the label-strip here shown forms the subject matter of a divisional application filed September 15, 1910, Serial No. 582,152.

I claim:

1. In a labeling-machine, the combination of a movable conveyer for the article to be labeled, a reciprocating supporting-frame bearing said label-aflixing device, means for moving said supporting-frame in a direction corresponding to the movement ofthe conveyer at a speed approximately equal to the speed of the conveyer and for then returning it, means to afix a label to the moving article, and means to operate said label-affixing device to obtain another label while said supporting-frame is returning, substantially as described.

2. In a label-affixing device, the combination of a movable conveyer for the article to be labeled, a reciprocating supporting-frame movable in parallel with the conveyer, means for moving said supporting-frame in a direction corresponding to the movement of the conveyer at a speed approximately equal to the speed of said conveyer and for then returning it, a label-carrying-and-applyingdevice borne by said supporting-frame, and means for operating it, while the supportingframe is moving in the direction of movement ofthe conveyer, to carry the label into position to be applied to the moving article and to press it into engagement therewith, substantially as described.

3. In a label-aifixing device, the combination of a movable conveyer for articles to be labeled, a reciprocating supporting-frame, means for moving said supporting-frame in one direction at a speed approximately equal to the speed of said conveyer and for then returning it, a label-carrying and applying device borne by said supporting-frame, a guide-plate for the label also borne by said supporting-frame recessed to permit the label-carrying-and-applying device'to enter it and engage the label, a pasting-device also borne by said supporting-frame for applying paste to one side of the label while held by the guide-plate, and means for operating said label-carrying-and-applying device and said pasting-device while the supportingframe is moving, substantially as described.

4. In a label-affixing device, the combination of a movable conveyer for articles to be labeled, a reciprocating supporting-frame, means for moving the supporting-frame in one direction at a speed approximately equal to the speed of said conveyer and for then returning it, a reel borne by said frame for holding a label-strip, means for feeding said strip forward, means for cutting off a label from the strip, a pasting-device for applying paste to one side of the label, a label-carrying-and-applying device for carrying the label to and pressing it into engagement with an article to be labeled, and means borne by said supporting-frame for operating said parts while the supporting-frame is moving, substantially as described.

5. In a label-affixing device, the combination of a pivotedframe, another frame mounted to slide on said pivoted-frame, a suction-pipe slidably supported by said sliding-frame, and means for moving said frames, substantially as described.

6. In a label-afiixing device, the combination of a pivoted-frame and means for moving it on its pivot, a sliding-frame mounted on said pivoted-frame, means for lifting said sliding-frame and subsequently releasing it, permitting it to fall, and a suction-pipe supported by said sliding-frame, substantially as described.

7 In a label-affixing device, the combination of a pivoted-frame and means for moving it on its pivot, a sliding-frame arranged on saidpivoted-frame, means for lifting said sliding-frame and subsequently releasing it, permitting it to fall, and a suction-pipe slidably supported on said sliding-frame and movable independently thereof, substantially as described.

8. In a label-aflixing device, the combination of 'a pivoted-frame, means for moving it on its pivot, a sliding-frame mounted on said pivoted-frame, means for twice lifting and releasing it, permitting it to fall, during each complete excursion of said pivotedframe, and a suction-pipe borne by said sliding-frame, substantially as described.

9. In a label-affixing device, the combination of a pivoted-frame, means for moving it on its pivot, a sliding-frame mounted on said pivoted-frame, means for twice lifting and releasing it, permitting it to fall, during each complete excursion of said pivotedframe, and a sliding suction-pipe yieldingly supported on said sliding-frame, substantially as described.

10. In a label-affixing device, the combination of an intermittingly-movable feed-wheel for feeding forward a label-strip, an intermittingly-operating severing-device for severing the labels from the strip, a pasting device for applying paste to the under side of a label, and a suction-pipe arranged above the pasting-device for engaging a label having its under side pasted and for carrying it to and afiixing it upon articles to be labeled, substantially as described.

11. In a label-aflixing device, the combination of an intermittingly-movable feedwheel for feeding forward a label-strip, an intermittently-operating severing-device for severing the labels from the strip, a suction carrying-and-applying device for taking the severed labels and carrying them to and pressing them into engagement with the article, and an intermittently-moving pasting-device for applying paste to the under sides of the labels, substantially as described.

12. In a label-ailixing device, the combination of means for feeding forward a label- 'strip, a severing-device for severing a label from the strip, a guide-plate in front of the severing device for holding the label, the bottom of said guide-plate being recessed, a pasting-device for applying paste through the recess in the bottom of the guide-plate to the under side of the label which is severed from the strip and held by the guideplate, and means for conveying said severed and pasted label into position to be applied to an article to be labeled and for subsequently applying it to the article.

13. In a label-aflixing device, the combination of intermittingly-acting means for "feeding forward a label-strip, an intermittingly-acting severing-device for severing a label from the strip, a guide-plate in front of the severing-device to hold the label, the top and bottom of said guide-plate both being. recessed, a pasting-device for applying "paste through the recess in the bottom of the guide-plate to the under side of the label, and a label carrying and applying device operating through the recess in the top of the guide-plate for carrying the severed and pasted label to and pressing it upon an article to be labeled.

14. In a labeling machine, the combination of means for feeding forward a label strip, a severing-device for severing a label from the strip, a pasting device for applying paste to one side of the label, a guideplate in front of the severing-device for holding the label, conveying-means for conveying the severed and pasted label into position to be applied to an article to be labeled and for subsequently applying it to the article, said guide-plate being recessed to permit entrance of the pasting-device and the conveying-means, a. supporting-frame for said parts, means for moving the article to be labeled, and means for moving said supporting-frame in parallel with the line of movement of said article, whereby the article may be labeled while being moved.

15. In a label aflixing device, means for feeding forward a label strip, means for severing a label therefrom, means for supporting the severed label in a fixed position, means for applying paste to one side of the severed label, and means for resisting the pressure of the paste applying means.

16. In a label afiixing device, the combination of means for feedingforward a label strip, means for severing a label therefrom, means for applying paste to one side of the severed label, means for applying pressure to the opposite side of the label to resist the pressure of the pastingmechanism, and

means for applying the pasted label to the article to be labeled with a yielding pressure.

17. In a label affixing device, the combination of the following instrumentalities; means for feeding forward a label strip, means for severing a label therefrom, means for holding the severed label in position for a pasting mechanism, means for pasting one side of the severed label, means for engaging the severed label, and means for moving the label engaging means to carry the label into contact with the article to be labeled.

18. In a label affixing machine, a'conveyer, means for imparting a continuous motion to said conveyer, means movable with said conveyer forholding the articles to belabeled in a fixed relation to the conveyer, means for feeding a plurality of labels, means for severing the labels, means for simultaneously moving the individual labels from the severing mechanism to a position over the articles to be labeled, and means for applying the labels to said articles irrespective of the variation in the height of the articles.

19. In a labeling machine, a conveyer for the articles to be labeled, a reciprocating label affixing device carrying a multiplicity of labels, means for supplying labels thereto, means for moving said label afiixing device to bring a series of labels into registration with the articles to be labeled, means for moving said label affixing device corresponding to the direction and'speed of said conveyer, and means for ,returning said label affixing device to its initial position in dependently of the movement of said conveyer.

20. In a label affixing machine, the combination with a conveyer for articles to be labeled, of a pair of label aflixers mounted independently of said conveyer and capable of a limited movement toward and from and with the conveyer and in unison with each other, and means by which said aflixers are independently yieldable whereby said aflixers may simultaneously afiix two labels to tWo articles of different heights upon said conveyer.

21. In a label affixing machine, the combination with a movable conveyer for articles to be labeled, of a pair of label aflixers mounted independently of said conveyer and capable of a limited movement toward and from and with the conveyerand in unison with each other, andrmeans by which said affixers are independently yieldable whereby said a'lfixers may simultaneously aflix two labels to two articles of different heights upon said conveyer, said affixers each comprising a hollow suction pipe.

22. In. a label affixing machine, the combination with a movable conveyer for articles to be labeled, of a pair of label aflixers mounted independently of said conveyer and capable of a limited movement toward and from and with the conveyer and in unison with each other, means by which said atfixers are independently yieldable, whereby said aflixers may simultaneously afiiX two labels to two articles of diiferent heights upon said conveyer, label feeding means, and means coacting with said aifixers to apply paste on the side of the labels opposite to said affiXers simultaneously with the delivery of the labels to said afiiXers.

23. The combination of means for supporting a label so as to expose its opposite sides, a suction pipe engaging one side of the label while engaged by said supporting means, a label paster and means for operating said paster to engage the opposite side of the label substantially at the same time that said suction pipe is in engagement with the label.

24. In a labeling machine, a suction-pipe, a paster, means for supporting a label so as to expose a portion of its opposite sides, and means for operating the suction-pipe and paster to bring them into simultaneous contact With the opposite sides of the label.

25. The combination with a continuously movable conveyer for articles to be labeled, of means for supporting a label so as to eX- pose its opposite sides, a label aflixer including a suction pipe, a label paster, means for operating said suction pipe and said paster to engage opposite sides of the label while on said label supporting means, and means for operating said suction pipe to apply labels to successive articles on said conveyer.

26. The combination with a continuously movable conveyer for articles to be labeled, of a label aifixer mounted independently of the conveyer, means for operating said affiXer to pick up a label, means for moving said label aflixer, first, in a direction transverse to the travel of said conveyer, second, for moving said label afiixer in the same direction and in unison with said conveyer and for applying the label to the article While so moving, third, for returning said label aihxer in a direction opposite to the travel of said conveyer, and fourth, for moving said label aiiixer in a direction transverse to and away from said conveyer to the initial point.

27. The combination with a continuously movable conveyer for articles to be labeled, of a label aftixer mounted independently of the conveyer, means for operating said affiXer to pick up a label, means for moving said label afliXer, first, in a direction transverse to the travel of the conveyer, second, for moving said label afixer in the same direction and in unison with the conveyer and for applying the label to the article while so moving, third, returning said label affixer in a direction opposite to the travel of the conveyer, and fourth, moving said label affiXer in a direction transverse to and away from the conveyer to the initial point, said aflixer including a vertically reciprocating suction pipe and means for automatically cutting off and turning on the air at predetermined periods in the movement of said afiixer.

28. In a label afiixing device, a conveyer for the articles to be labeled, means for continuously moving said conveyer, a label feeding mechanism, a label applying mechanism, means for moving said label applying mechanisms to carry a label to the article to be labeled, a framework supporting said label applying mechanism, and means for moving said framework concurrently with the movement of the conveyer while the label is being afiixed to the article.

29. In a label affixing device, a stationary support for engaging the edges of the label, means for feeding a label through said support, a paster, a label afiiXer, means to move the label afiixer into contact with one surface of the label after it has been fed through said support, and means for bringing the paster into engagement with the opposite side of the label, said support having a recess in its upper side to admit the label affixer.

In testimony whereof, I have signed my verse to the travel of the conveyer, second,

B. J. Novas, H. B. DAVIS.

Copies of this patent maybe obtained for five cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of Patents,

' Washington, I). C. 

